There’s a very important call for action coming out of America’s leading bicycle advocacy organizations. The buzz of bad news began at the National Bike Summit where we learned that in 2006 states were required to return part of their transportation budgets to Congress. Many states chose to do this by drastically cutting cash from … Read more
This coming Tuesday, Salem lawmakers are holding a public hearing on Senate Bill 729. SB 729 is the “fixie bill” that is being proposed to clarify the legal language and shore up confusion around how the bicycle equipment requirement (ORS 815.280) should pertain to fixed-gear bicycles. Since Ayla Holland’s seminal case last July there has … Read more
Jim Oberstar at the mic, withEarl Blumenauer in the background. Congressman Jim Oberstar, the Grand Man of bicycles in Washington, made his annual speech to a packed room of Bike Summit attendees at an early morning rally today. Oberstar shared his perspective on the bicycle movement in America by saying, “When we first got here, … Read more
Congressman Earl Blumenauer introducing his Bike Commuter Act at the House Office Building. Members of the Oregon contingent in the background.
Inside Congressman DeFazio’s office with the Oregon contingent in the Rayburn House Office Building
You might have heard of the page scandal in Washington DC recently. Pages are 15-16 year-old high school students who run errands for House members.
Blumenauer at theSummit opening. Tomorrow morning, after a speech by Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar, Earl Blumenauer plans to re-introduce his Bike Commuter Benefits Act in a press conference on Capitol Hill. Blumenauer just finished a speech at the opening of the National Bike Summit and he hinted at this news when he confidently said, “With … Read more
League Director Andy Clarke The opening plenary is going on now. But before I get to that, some news. Commissioner Adams is here. I saw his badge at the registration table and a few folks have seen him walking around. He’s in DC for a meeting of the National League of Cities. I didn’t know … Read more
Dinner with the Oregon contingent The best part of the trip so far came last night. While waiting for our table outside the historic Old Ebbit Grill, the host came out and said, “Bricker (as in Scott from the BTA), party of 25.” Yes, there are 25 of us here from Oregon. Once we got … Read more
On the road in DC. It’s been a gorgeous day here in DC. From the airport I did the ultimate multi-modal thing and took the bus to the Metro (subway) right into downtown. Once I got rolling, I made my way to the hotel. The first people I bumped into were Jeff Mapes and Deb … Read more
My tikit at the terminal. [A major note of thanks to everyone who has supported this trip. I could not do this without your help.] =========== It was a perfect night for a ride to the airport. I’m a few minutes from taking off to DC and all is well. I wish I could say … Read more
Oregon has a golden opportunity to build two new velodromes, to further solidify our reputation as the premier state for cycling participation in the country, and to build lasting links between our elected officials and the one love we all share; bicycles. All that’s missing is your voice encouraging legislators in Salem to support the … Read more